3 answers
Andy
Student
Perry, UT
1
Question
Asked
2125 views
what are the requirements to become an electrician
#electrician #career-counseling
Login to comment
3 answers
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
"How to become an electrician:
To become a licensed electrician, you'll need to follow these steps:
1. Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent
Before pursuing a career as an electrician, you'll need to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. Though a majority of the job relies on specific skills related to the industry, there are plenty of academic concepts that electricians utilize daily. Some school subjects that offer valuable skills for this career are:
Algebra and trigonometry: Electricians must use mathematical skills to determine wiring lengths, calculate the force of electrical currents and measure the angle of a circuit.
Physics: Electricians need to understand basic scientific concepts to effectively complete their work.
English: This profession will often require technicians to read technical documents.
Shop and mechanical drawing classes: These can also be useful in teaching electricians to design electrical systems in buildings and other structures.
2. Consider attending a trade or vocational-technical school
Though attending a trade or vocational-technical school isn't required to become an electrician, it can offer valuable training and greatly aid students in the process of obtaining certification as well as job placement. Whether you attend a four-year university where you study electrical technology or earn a career diploma through a trade school, the experience will give you comprehensive lab-based and classroom training. Students are given foundational tools and introductions to basic electrical principles that could give them an edge when applying for apprenticeships.
Additionally, most states and licensing regions allow students to substitute some of the hours spent during your formal education for the hours of experience required to obtain your journeyman licensing. Typically, one year of formal education would account for 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Students are only allowed to substitute up to two years of training, or 2,000 hours. Depending on the vocational-technical school, they may offer a complete journeyman program that is designed to align with the local licensing requirements. Most of these programs will provide 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, which is roughly half of what is required to become a licensed journeyman.
3. Apply for an apprenticeship
Regardless of whether you decide to attend a trade school to complete your training or not, you must finish an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician. You can find an apprenticeship several ways to include:
Through a trade school: Trade schools typically offer apprenticeship and job placement opportunities.
Through a union: The Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees, or JATC, has locations in almost every major city across the United States. The JATC will place you with a local union employer, and will likely facilitate and host any classroom and lab-based technical training at their office. Just be aware that participating in a union apprenticeship will require that you join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW.
Through a non-union: Whether or not to join a union is ultimately a decision that every apprentice must make for themselves. Two primary organizations offer apprenticeship placement with non-union electrical contractors: the Independent Electrical Contractors, or IEC, and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc, or ABC. Both of these organizations have locations in most major cities.
While applying to become an apprentice, you may be asked to complete an aptitude test that will test reading comprehension as well as mathematics skills. Additionally, you will likely be asked to complete a job interview, take a drug test and meet specific physical requirements.
4. Register as an electrician apprentice
Some states require that electrical apprentices register before being allowed to work on job sites. Research your state's requirements before beginning work.
5. Complete your apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship will be the core of your training to become an electrician. It combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, as well as mentorship and supervision from a master electrician. Most states require that you complete at least four years of apprenticeship before taking the exam. An apprenticeship will cover training on topics like:
Deciphering technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans
Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and electricity-distribution equipment
Ensuring that all work is done in compliance with national, state and local regulations
Using special devices to test and inspect electrical systems for issues
Regardless of region, electrician licensure requirements fall within this range:
576 to 1,000 hours spent in the classroom
8,000 to 10,000 hours (four to five years) spent getting on-the-job training
6. Get licensed or certified
The requirements for licensing and certification vary by state and even city, so be sure to research any qualifications necessary for working in your area. If your area does require that you obtain a license, you may also have to pass an electrical exam. This exam will test your comprehension of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts and building codes. You will also have to offer proof that you have completed your apprenticeship."
Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-electrician
To become a licensed electrician, you'll need to follow these steps:
1. Earn a high school diploma or the equivalent
Before pursuing a career as an electrician, you'll need to earn a high school diploma or the equivalent. Though a majority of the job relies on specific skills related to the industry, there are plenty of academic concepts that electricians utilize daily. Some school subjects that offer valuable skills for this career are:
Algebra and trigonometry: Electricians must use mathematical skills to determine wiring lengths, calculate the force of electrical currents and measure the angle of a circuit.
Physics: Electricians need to understand basic scientific concepts to effectively complete their work.
English: This profession will often require technicians to read technical documents.
Shop and mechanical drawing classes: These can also be useful in teaching electricians to design electrical systems in buildings and other structures.
2. Consider attending a trade or vocational-technical school
Though attending a trade or vocational-technical school isn't required to become an electrician, it can offer valuable training and greatly aid students in the process of obtaining certification as well as job placement. Whether you attend a four-year university where you study electrical technology or earn a career diploma through a trade school, the experience will give you comprehensive lab-based and classroom training. Students are given foundational tools and introductions to basic electrical principles that could give them an edge when applying for apprenticeships.
Additionally, most states and licensing regions allow students to substitute some of the hours spent during your formal education for the hours of experience required to obtain your journeyman licensing. Typically, one year of formal education would account for 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Students are only allowed to substitute up to two years of training, or 2,000 hours. Depending on the vocational-technical school, they may offer a complete journeyman program that is designed to align with the local licensing requirements. Most of these programs will provide 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, which is roughly half of what is required to become a licensed journeyman.
3. Apply for an apprenticeship
Regardless of whether you decide to attend a trade school to complete your training or not, you must finish an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician. You can find an apprenticeship several ways to include:
Through a trade school: Trade schools typically offer apprenticeship and job placement opportunities.
Through a union: The Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees, or JATC, has locations in almost every major city across the United States. The JATC will place you with a local union employer, and will likely facilitate and host any classroom and lab-based technical training at their office. Just be aware that participating in a union apprenticeship will require that you join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW.
Through a non-union: Whether or not to join a union is ultimately a decision that every apprentice must make for themselves. Two primary organizations offer apprenticeship placement with non-union electrical contractors: the Independent Electrical Contractors, or IEC, and the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc, or ABC. Both of these organizations have locations in most major cities.
While applying to become an apprentice, you may be asked to complete an aptitude test that will test reading comprehension as well as mathematics skills. Additionally, you will likely be asked to complete a job interview, take a drug test and meet specific physical requirements.
4. Register as an electrician apprentice
Some states require that electrical apprentices register before being allowed to work on job sites. Research your state's requirements before beginning work.
5. Complete your apprenticeship
Your apprenticeship will be the core of your training to become an electrician. It combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, as well as mentorship and supervision from a master electrician. Most states require that you complete at least four years of apprenticeship before taking the exam. An apprenticeship will cover training on topics like:
Deciphering technical diagrams and construction blueprints for electrical plans
Installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and electricity-distribution equipment
Ensuring that all work is done in compliance with national, state and local regulations
Using special devices to test and inspect electrical systems for issues
Regardless of region, electrician licensure requirements fall within this range:
576 to 1,000 hours spent in the classroom
8,000 to 10,000 hours (four to five years) spent getting on-the-job training
6. Get licensed or certified
The requirements for licensing and certification vary by state and even city, so be sure to research any qualifications necessary for working in your area. If your area does require that you obtain a license, you may also have to pass an electrical exam. This exam will test your comprehension of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts and building codes. You will also have to offer proof that you have completed your apprenticeship."
Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-an-electrician
Mike Juarez
Electrician
4
Answers
West Covina, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi, I’m answering this as an electrician from Los Angeles. I am completing a 5 year apprenticeship so I can speak on behalf of someone who has been apart of a union apprenticeship.
1. Contact IBEW local 354 in Salt Lake City. Ph#801--972-9354
2. If you are 18 yrs old, have at least a C in algebra in high school or college and a high school diploma, those are the basic min. Req.
3. Be sure to ask for the remaining requirements.
There is no prior experience needed. My apprenticeship is paid for while I was working in Los Angeles, including my books. It may be a bit different in Utah, be sure to ask.
1. Contact IBEW local 354 in Salt Lake City. Ph#801--972-9354
2. If you are 18 yrs old, have at least a C in algebra in high school or college and a high school diploma, those are the basic min. Req.
3. Be sure to ask for the remaining requirements.
There is no prior experience needed. My apprenticeship is paid for while I was working in Los Angeles, including my books. It may be a bit different in Utah, be sure to ask.
Erica Reeves
Educational Advisor
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Andy,
I would highly recommend checking out your local community college to see if they offer an electrician program. Trade schools are great, but they can be costly. I recommend comparing the costs in your area. They’ll also be able to go over any requirements for your area/state.
These institutions are typically affiliated with employers and often have working relationships where they hire from the graduating class, go not just for the credential but the networking.
Good luck!
I would highly recommend checking out your local community college to see if they offer an electrician program. Trade schools are great, but they can be costly. I recommend comparing the costs in your area. They’ll also be able to go over any requirements for your area/state.
These institutions are typically affiliated with employers and often have working relationships where they hire from the graduating class, go not just for the credential but the networking.
Good luck!